Mr. Kendal glanced at the portrait over the mantelpiece smiled sadly, and shook his head.
‘Poor dear,’ continued Albinia, ‘what a commotion there will be in her head; but she has behaved so well hitherto, that I hope we may steer her safely through, above all, if one of the six cousins will but catch him in the rebound! Have you spoken to her?’
‘Is it necessary?’
‘So asked her grandfather,’ said Albinia, smiling, as he, a little out of countenance, muttered something of ‘foolish affair—mere child—and turn her head—’
‘That’s done!’ said Albinia, ‘we have only to try to get it straight. Besides, it would hardly be just to let her think he had meant nothing, and I have promised to deal openly with her, otherwise we can hardly hope for plain dealing from her.’
‘And you think it will be a serious disappointment?’
‘She is highly flattered by his attention, but I don’t know how deep it may have gone.’
‘I wish people would let one’s daughters alone!’ exclaimed Mr. Kendal. ‘You will talk to her then, Albinia, and don’t let her think me more harsh than you can help, and come and tell me how she bears it.’
‘Won’t you speak to her yourself?’
‘Do you think I must?’ he said, reluctantly; ‘you know so much better how to manage her.’